Claude Robert Pullen, age 89, of Early, Texas passed away peacefully Saturday morning, August 21, 2010 in Early. The only child of Claude Walter Pullen and Sylvia Mae Allison, he was born October 28, 1920 in Leavenworth, Kansas.

Reared on a small Iowa farm by his maternal grandparents during the Great Depression, he learned the enduring value of hard work and a man’s word being his bond. He married the love of his life, Clora Dulcie Miller Pullen, on July 17, 1941, in Platte County, Missouri. They were blessed with three children as well as six grandchildren and a large number of great grandchildren. Mr. Pullen was employed by EI Paso Products Company in Odessa, Texas for over 30 years, eventually holding the title of Plant Supervisor of the Butadiene Plant and striving to continually improve performance in all areas of responsibility. An avid pilot and mechanic of small aircraft, he thoroughly enjoyed rebuilding single-engine airplanes from the wheels up and taking first-time flyers out for a maiden voyage.

Survivors include their son, Rick Pullen of Richardson, their daughter, Sande Auvenshine and her husband Donnie of Early, and grandchildren Justin Auvenshine and his wife Ebonie of Comanche; Donnita Robinson and her husband Chad of Arlington; Katie Hays and her husband Odas of Early; and Tammy, Kimberly, and Melissa Pullen of Odessa; as well as a small herd of great-grands who affectionately called him “Old Papa”. He was preceded in death by his son, Claude Ed, in 1985 and his wife, Dulcie, in 1998. It was Mr. Pullen’s wishes that his body be donated to the Baylor College of Medicine for medical education and research. A private family memorial service will be held at Sweetwater Baptist Church in Comanche, Texas Sunday afternoon, August 22, 2010. Memorials may be made to CAS A in the Heart of Texas or Howard Payne University.

Friends are invited to sign the guestbook at www.heartlandfuneralhome.net

Heartland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.